Who am I exactly? 

Keep talking as much as you want Fraser... I'm here for the interesting insights and technical-talk and learning about church organs. (with maybe about 10-15% of organ playing per video)

Very interesting talk, delivered in your relaxed, friendly style. I like the fact that you do not talk AT us, but somehow you make us feel as if we were there with you and it becomes a very pleasant experience. The whole video from your iPhone was very good and thanks to your wife for nice, steady video.

I think you are exactly the organ channel I was looking for!

You're quite right Fraser, there ARE plenty of other music-only channels - but it's so very interesting to hear about a professional musician and your history! Really good.

You absolutely do NOT talk too much

Having watched "What a huge organ what an amazing sound!" I thought how will Fraser follow that? And of course he has! What an interesting early life story. Before I knew you were born in Scotland I did wonder whether I could hear the trace of a Welsh accent as you sound like Huw Edwards the BBC news reader! Have you ever thought of reading the news while playing the organ? 🙂 I love the channel and look forward to watching another episode. Keep up the fun!🎹😊

English is so much easier than German that Fraser managed to shave 22 seconds from the German version xD

I really appreciate that you take your time do it in english aswell!

Over three hundred likes and not a single dislike. The stuff of legends.

Thank you for sharing your background and journey in music. Each person's soul, music wise, developmentally are different. Unfortunately, I am not coordinated enough to play organ with foot pedals. But, I do embrace Bach the most. I have my paternal grandmother's foot pump Estee salon reed organ, she practiced on. I can't read music so play by ear. But, I like to think a bit of my Irish paternal grandmother's blood passion is trying to get to a pipe organ. 😉 Being organists for a Baltimore church when not working as Secretary. Thank you for bringing the organ loft to the ground and being so delightful, humble and filled with practical music knowledge that would make anybody want to take up the organ again

Don’t worry about those that denigrate your videos mate; your broadcasts are clear, detailed and very informative explanations - and also - you are very very musical. 🎶🎹✔️😇

Fascinating to hear how you got to where you are.

Thanks for a great video, Fraser! I had already checked out your 'about' section and found it very sparse, especially in English! Sir, many of us watch your videos precisely because of your great chit chat. A combo of Gert van Hoef and you is perfect. Question: why does the action of your church's organ sound so noisy? Is it a mechanical type? Maybe you could walk us from keys to pipes one time? Next car? A Tesla Model 3 of course. Welcome to the future!

I admire and enjoy enormously both your playing various organs as well as talking constructively and informatively about them. Truth to tell, the organ is indisputably the king of all musical instruments.

Herr Gartshore, you are a pure joy!

Mr. Fraser, I like your talking. You are very entertaining. Thank you for this video.

i've never palyed an organ, but i like your channel. it's really interesting to have an insight into the world of organ playing, which you don't see much of in this day and age. PS: I've also never seen a channel that records videos twice in two different languages (most people just use subtitles). That is really unique.

An absolute pleasure, as always. Thank you Fraser and Mrs Fraser.

Great Story of your Life, Maestro Gartshore !!! Thanks a lot to share it with us !!! Now we Love you (and partner) more. :-) All the Best from Ireland; & God Bless you: Renzo *

Harlen Miller--I was attracted to this channel for its 'survey' of different organs around Germany. I'd like that to continue.

"If this is too much talk for you, GO and find another channel!!" I laughed so hard when you said that! I almost dropped the eggs!

This was so much fun! I am thrilled that YT dug this up and suggested I check it out. Great to get to know you just a little more :)

Will you ever do a video on theatre organs? I know there are quite a few in Germany… Germany[edit] Technoseum Mannheim, 2 manuals, 10 ranks (2/10), M. Welte & Söhne, 1928 Norddeutscher Rundfunk (NDR, North German Broadcasting), Hamburg - 3/128, M. Welte & Söhne, 1930 Berlin Musical Instrument Museum, 4/15, Wurlitzer, 1929 Filmmuseum Düsseldorf, 2/9, M. Welte & Söhne, 1929/30 Kino Babylon Berlin - 2/66, Philipps (Frankfurt), 1929 Siegfried's Mechanisches Musikkabinett, Rüdesheim, 2/11, M. Welte & Söhne, 1928/29 Filmmuseum Potsdam, 2/12, M. Welte & Söhne, 1928/29 Grassi Museum, Leipzig, 2/7, M. Welte & Söhne, 1931

Thanks, Fraser, for the "autobiography." Humans instinctively love *stories and story-telling.* I realized, watching this video, that I've never seen the *organ façade/casework* for this instrument, nor a *thorough interior tour* of the various pipe divisions. As you know, this sort of thing is always a "must" for organists and organ officinadoes. (If I've missed a video like this, could someone supply a link, in English?) Again, many thanks. 👍

A nice guy who taught me how to play an easy prelude in F major (BWV 556) a few years ago

Fraser, if I may be so bold to use your first name, what a wonderful presentation. Your personal story is very interesting since I find a fascinating comparison to my own story. I am happy to have found your RU-vid channel by accident. I was noodling around RU-vid pipe organ sites and you popped up with a German flag on your start screen. I listened and was able to understand your excellent German. Then I saw a start screen with a British flag and got a sense that you were not German. I continued to tune you in with much pleasure. My story begins at age 8. My mother had a traditional water color of a mountain, a brook and landscape that my mother and father bought when they got married. I kept studying that painting and I said "I could do that". My mom gifted me a water color set and I set about painting. Later in 4th and 5th grade I honed my skills in drawing. We had a one hour drawing class every Friday. 1951/52 off to America where I was able to please my teachers with my art, Off to college, I wanted to become a science teacher but my math skills were slim so I chose art education just to get in. There I found that I was better than most of my fellow students. Student Teaching in my junior year was an exciting time. I spent 40 years at the senior high school level which included 24 years of evening classes with adults. That included photography and computers. I spent 15 years as the technology coordinator for our state sponsored Teacher Center. I am a happy retiree but get my kicks out of watching RU-vid Organ Videos. Thank for your fine work. Bernie Wagner.

I like the talking 😊

Since discovering your channel I seem to be commenting often and that's why I'm commenting now; from your opening statement about "talking a lot" - yes, that's what makes your channel so distinctive and so interesting and informative. And I can identify with your background as mine is similar although my career was as a Uni lecturer ("professor" in the US) in Physical Chemistry, music remained a "hobby". But while piano is/was my main instrument I discovered organs along an almost identical path to yours (with a 3-manual "classical" digital instrument sitting beside my piano), so that gave added interest to your story. Thank you for sharing it.

I am a trumpet player from Texas and absolutely LOVE these videos! I never thought myself as an organ lover, but after discovering your channel, I can't stop watching! Keep up the good work, Fraser! Subbed.

Hi Fraser, I so enjoy your talks here. I started taking organ lessons when I was 16 in 1965 on a new Moller organ. My first "church" job was in 1968 on a 1906 Estey pipe organ from Brattelboro, Vermont in the United States. How this organ ended up in Pontiac, Illinois is beyond me? lol I am a retired English and music teacher and taught school for 36 years. I play the organ at the local UMC on a wretched 1946 Unit Wicks Organ. I guess it is better than speakers, but oh well. The Estey organ that I played when I was young has ended up in my home, of all place! lol A long story about that of which I will not go into here. 17 ranks is a just right for home! The 8' open flute can be heard 3 doors away! Cars, I have a 1959 Lincoln Continental that is so much fun to drive, the only thing that it won't pass is a petrol station. lol I have a 1927 Marshall and Wendell grand piano that has new bass string in it. It also has an Ampico player in it. (more on that later) . I have two more pianos: a 1980 Mason and Hamlin grand an a 1916 Waltham player piano which was made in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Thanks again for your wonderful talks and insight to playing the "King of Instruments!" Gary

You are a great organist !

I could almost hear all the statues of all the saints in the church clapping to the backbeat during that boogie :) Loved it! (and the entire video as well)

I loved the video. It is like having a chat with a good mate. Keep up the good work.

Very interesting video! Thank you!

Yes, you talk a lot,and I enjoy every moment of your lecture. Some people sit at the organ, you sir,"play the organ".

I mostly enjoy your German videos. I learned German in school but rarely get the chance to use it. Your speach is clear and easy to understand, and i learn a lot of new things from your leisurely approach to a subject I've been passively passionate about for years. I am Flemish and play the organ in self study

Talk as much as you want Fraser, you're fulfilling a longing for a deeper and broader understanding of the king of instruments. By the way, what's the difference between an amateur and professional organist?

Greetings from Brazil, you are doing a great job!

I just discovered your channel, and I love the content - it's a unique (and truly fascinating) topic, and your presentation is excellent!

Super channel. Glad you appeared in my recommendations!

10:06 Fraser, what is this beautiful and longing piece of music????

Any Scotsman in Germany deserves a thumbs up!

It's a pleasure to meet you Frazer. I really enjoy your channel

18:30 this track was so sweet, also the use of different registers during the playing was mindblowing

Great channel Fraser. Car channel? While you may love doing a car channel, there are loads of "Dougs" out there. Don't dilute the Organ product. Why not try to keep hitting on great original content or something that "enhances" the current channel .. like the lemon in a G and T. I bet you have some great yarns about being on tour and what its like.. or meeting other organs and organists on screen. Lastly I like, as does my friend, the way you analysed Bach's rhythms and what instrumentation was like in the 1600s Europe. More please.

For those interested, his fabulous Organic Boogie Woogie starts at 18:20!

I liked your brief biography.

Very much enjoyed your video and have just subscribed. Being a pensioner there is not a lot of money left to support you. I cannot play any musical instrument - wish I had persevered when I was young. I do enjoy your explanation of the music and how it fits together also the mechanics of the organ. I also follow Rick Wakeman and like you it is fascinating how you can separate your brain to do so many things. Thank you for your videos (UK)

Enjoyed it! Thank you!

magical and wonderful instrument. One of the best inventions ever

As a newcomer to the organ world, I greatly appreciate your channel and your perspectives on organ topics beyond simply performing established repertoire. I look forward to seeing your channel grow and flourish!

Like you, I like cars, particulaly vintage and veteran However, I also all the organs, Theatre, Straght (classical and church) electronic and fairground.

It's very interesting to hear of your past. Incidentally, I listen to your German video on this subject, and understood perhaps 1/3rd of it without really speaking the language; it isn't dissimilar to English in a great many ways.

Bonus video!!! Love it :)

A lovely mix of talk and music! - just what i was looking for! - thankyou, Levi from Finland

(Before reading this, I just want to say that this came out to be more about me than actual feedback, so bear with me here!) In all my life, I've had two things that have stood out from everything else; music and cars. I started playing the piano when I was 4 years old, and later studied to get a bachelor degree in music. And cars I've loved all my life, I remember I could recognize every car out there by the way they sounded like when I was 3-4 years old. Now I have a true racing simulator at my home, and is going to do my first race in real life May 19th in a Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport! I fell in love with the pipe organ when I was about 7 years old, but have never played one myself, even though I really want to! Like you, I started out with piano and later got the hands on a Yamaha Electone. When I got older I got into the world of prog rock and now I have fixed an old Hammond L100 and connected it with a Leslie 760 (inspired from Yes, Gentle Giant, Focus etc. of course)! One of my favorite parts in music is the simple, but yet so powerful, pipe organ section in Close To The Edge by Yes. And that, together with Bach's organ works, has made me want to learn how to play a real pipe organ, and I've found your videos very useful in that perspective. One of my biggest wishes for this channel is that you can follow up with more videos on how to get things started. I will definitely buy your book when it's being released! And yes, as the car maniac I am, I would LOVE to see a side channel about cars!!

Thank you so much Fraser and your good lady for such an enjoyable channel. The balance is just right for me and the content is absolutely spot-on. Have loved everything you have produced, don't stop! PS, Not sure about the cars 'though love them to!

It's great to hear about your background and your interest in theatre organs. My Dad and I helped restore a theatre organ years ago, and it sparked a second career for him (designing digital switching systems for pipe organs), and a great appreciation of all great organs for me. My favorite music (after progressive rock), is organ and orchestra works. I would also like to know from the player's standpoint, the differences between a tracker action and an electronically keyed organ. Oh, and the Boogie was amazing!

Could you do a "church-tour" (showing the church), where your main organ stands?

Wonderful video, Fraser...thank you so much! I do have some burning questions to ask....perhaps you can answer these in "Who am I exactly, Part II": You had mentioned very quickly that your "Missus" is your wife. Is she German? a musician? organist? Do you have children? What do your parents think of your new-found fame? Are they proud of you? What kind of music do your choirs sing, early music? Lots of Bach? How did you learn German so fluently? (so shocked to learn that you were actually Scottish and not German!!) Maybe you can put up a few videos on learning German quickly.... :) It's been really lovely getting to know you a little. Congratulations on your success, and thanks again allowing us into your otherwise very exciting life!!

I'm from the Netherlands and I play the bagpipes. I'd love to do a duet with you with pipes and organ one day!!

Thanks for telling us your personal story. Mine was actually very similar, starting with a single-manual Zachary Enchanter in 1981 and quickly graduating to a Hammond Composer with 2 manuals. I taught myself to read music on the Zachary at the age of 8. The Hammond was my favourite hobby until I was 14, at which point I learned piano for a year and moved on to church organs and classical music. I really enjoy playing Bach, which brings me back to that peaceful place before I was born. It's also good for my brain function, dealing with engineering and mathematics and computer code in my daily work.

Really dig that organic boogie woogie! I play the piano now and I’ve wondered about playing the organ, but it doesn’t lend itself well to practicing alone in your house, which is the way I like to do it.

“If this is too much talking for you, go and find another channel” 😂😂🤣🤣

I hope it‘s no insult, but I‘m coming from your German videos and wondered if there is some Scottish hearable when you are talking. And somehow most of the time you sound like a German talking English. xD But when you’re talking about stories of your childhood it again sounds like a Scotsman. 🤔 Really interesting...

Such talent🕺

Glad I found this channel and as a car fan also we definitely need the car one as well - ignore the naysayers. If you're not already following them I can recommend HubNut, Harry's Garage and Hoovies Garage for a start.

You are a very lucky person. Life is such a trial for people'who are not following there dream. I from childhood had a fascination with pipe organs. The sounds of the more clasical rather than the boogie woogie type . Totally a personal view. Keep up your passion it pushes me to try harder . And you choice of music for your practice is the piece drew me to the organ

I knew you must have had some contact with theater organs :-) Please do a video featuring wurlitzer or any other theater organ. It would be amazing.

Fraser its fantastic to see your growth on the channel. I'm a big foodie myself and I'm very keen on the odd glass of wine

Currywurst uns ein Bratty mit fries und Mayonnaise...and a drop of 'bitter', bitte! lol An inspiration: how about 'Frazer does Deutschland' series on all the good bits that D has in abundance...food / drink / places und spaces / etc.

I've never personally taken any sort of formal organ lessons, however, I have spent years learning to play piano both by reading music and by ear. Since I stopped lessons, I acquired a Hammond M3 organ, similar to the Yamaha organ you described, and it has driven my fascination for organ music. I'm currently teaching myself how to play some basic hymns by reading through an old hymnal. I'm not a strong sight-reader, but hopefully practice will pay off in the future.

it is good to hear about your very distinguished background. your education is subservient to your very apparent talent. i am, however, sure you realized the value and need for formal training. wondering about the early piano teacher(s)? the missa marialis---beautiful.

I have an LP now Andre Brasseur

I found this quite interesting, I’ve been fascinated by the organ since i was 6 or so, and really only dabbled with synthesisers and piano for about 4 years and during the covid lockdown in 2021 i had the time and opportunity to spend as much time as I wanted on a Hammond XB3, so after watching Fraser’s videos I have learned quite a lot about multi keyboard instruments and a year later I can play with about 60% of the competency I would like to have. Reading multiple lines of music on the fly is something I still find difficult, but the Hammond organ does have a few ways to allow you to cheat a bit and produce a sound that is good enough to get by in church. Anyone thinking about taking up this instrument, should know that it is definitely a lifetime commitment so either you Live & Breathe for it or choose a different instrument to learn first. I have never figured out why the black & white keys 🎹 are opposite to other keyboard instruments, if anyone knows, could you please tell me?

Now the most important question: have you ever seen Nessie ? :D

Interesting talk Fraser, with Yamaha's newer Electones which were not sold in Europe but in the Far East and I think also Australia because a few of my Ausy friends play them. They can be programmed to sound very much like a full orchestra but they need a lot of setting up which does not appeal to me personally. Great boogie and on a church organ too . Who would have "thunk" it ?

I think the Aberdeen Compton is now in storage, if my memory is correct the cinema became a nightclub, then a pub before being demolished, (the front remains) forgive me if I'm thinking of the wrong cinema it's just I'm not sure there's any organs still in original situ in that region, I used to help with maintenance of the Wurlitzer in Polockshaws burgh hall, well worth a play next time your in Glasgow. Enjoying your video's 👍

Thank you sir for a very interesting channel. I wonder if you could tell us more about recreating a piano piece on the pipe organ. I once sat it on a master class and it was fascinating.

Could you do some broadcasts on the german theatre organs as there are several i understand

Great...now I know!? :-) I knew you were north of the border but couldn't quite place the Scottish accent. I'm in the UK, south. Love the channel and the vids with the bonus of the car channel, now added to EVM, Fullycharged and Harry's Garage - but I don't think he can play the organ!!? BTW your wife's hand appeared in the shiny paintwork of the Kia EV !! You're making me want to resume playing 'organ music' on the keyboard ! Love it. Thank you.

I love your channel I must say and im a guitar player , you did nt talk about how you became fluent in German ,was it just a case of picking it up or lessons ? Also do you have any performance anxiety issues ? You must be a exceptional man to do what you do , I wish could roll back the years and be an organist

Hi Fraser, even if I am German, I like to follow you in the English versions of your videos. It is easy to understand you. Your names meaning is really strawberry? Interessting funfact in my mind. When you once plan to visit Scottland, please make some videos from that part of the (pipe organ) world.

@18:23 -- sorry i couldn't really hear if youre playing it in english or in german, sounded kinda similar to me ... ;-)

Fraser. I saw this the day it came out, but I didn't bother to comment then. I LOVE your channel! Your sense of humor is great, and your jokes ALWAYS make me laugh. Also really enjoy all the organs you go to visit. You should try to get St Stevens/Stephens (I don't know which spelling is right. lol) in Pasau. Yes... THAT St Stevens. And Toccata and Fugue for 10K.... My petition, is for 100K, Widor Toccata! Also, if there's a way I can contact you, I would like to do so. I have a request, thats too lengthy for a YT comment. Thanks for this WONDERFUL channel!

Dear mister Gartshore, dear Fraser, First, thanks a lot for your videos here, they are very informative 👍 I’m a big admirer of the most beautiful music instrument there is, the church (pipe) organ. Visited already lotsa organ concerts (recital), but knowing almost nothing about the instrument itself, unfortunately. So you are very helpful in this, thanks. Of course it’s all about the music that counts for me, but it’s interesting to know more of the background of an organ. I think that sometimes this knowledge of an organ (for instance if it takes a lot effort/fingerpower to press the organ keys, cause of age or system of the organ) tells you some more about the music/performance you hear. Anyway lotsa success with your channel. ps: one last thing, if you don’t mind: in the beginning of July i will visit the Neresheim Abbey for an organ concert. Have you ever been there, and, if yes, is it possible to give me some information? Only if you’ve got a few mins left in your busy life (since not only organs, but old cars too are your hobbies. Best regards, Ben, Amsterdam, Holland.

Yes, stick to what you want to do in your channel! Viewers are important, but you're the most important because it's YOUR channel, lol.

Fraser, you sound more German when you first start talking in English here....had you just been speaking in German all day, and this was your first English? Once you get into it, the UK comes back. btw, it's super-annoying that people feel the need to tell you they don't like all your talking instead of just going elsewhere in the great sea that is RU-vid! WE love to hear you talk about music and things, so please don't "haud yer wheesht!"

How long did it take for you to become fluent in German?

Hi again ,wish you and your wife and dog,All the best and keep swinging.From drummer John Astrup. Denmark.

Can you create a bagpipes sound in the pipe organ.

As a student of both popular and classical organ music (I have a Kawai XR-9000 organ), I find your videos interesting and informative. I love your boogie-woogie renditions. Do you have any plans to professional record a cd of your boogie-woogie compositions? I am reminded of Fats Waller who got his start playing jazz music on a classical organ. Thanks for your videos! They are most enjoyable!

You need to come to Chicago IL in the US for that wurlitzer theater organ.

wow, this is awesome! I am watching this from Kenya. I have been watching your videos and really wanted to know more about you and thanks to God you made a video about you. What were you actually doing during your break from the university?

I was wondering if any of the congregation are not in favour of you using the church organ for your RU-vid channel. I hope not, I have been enjoying your channel very much especially when you play. C’mon Mrs, let’s see you, don’t be shy.🤔🤭

You can call it Pipes n' Pipes

hey i was 46 ones too!

I have 2 questions for you - have you ever played Bach’s Passacaglis and Fugue? If so how difficult is it comparatively to other organ pieces?

The Compton at the Capitol Aberdeen is now in storage as the Capitol was demolished a few years ago, sadly.

Question regarding that 2-manual console you play: what do the 2 rows of toggle switches above the stops do? Fraser, like you I began playing on piano a child My first organ had the 2 short offset manuals an 13 longish pedals (I learned heel and toe on it). Steven had a single speed Leslie speaker built-in. My first organ teacher was a retired theatre organist! At church I met my first classical/liturgical organ mentor. He was a student of Marcel Dupre and even did the English translation of Dupre's biography at the request of Madame Dupre. You somewhat remind me of him. His name is Ralph Kneeream; I believe he still is active as organist and choir director in a university in western Pennsylvania, USA. I am early-retired dojo some health issues but occasionally sub in my own family church. I am actively doing arrangements on computer and making accompaniment tracks for my soloist friends. I thoroughly enjoy how you do your videos and look forward to many more, in English, please!